In situ Enabling Approaches for Tissue Regeneration: Current Challenges and New Developments

• Published in: Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology 2020-02, Vol.8, p.85-85
• Main Authors: Dias, Juliana R, Ribeiro, Nilza, Baptista-Silva, Sara, Costa-Pinto, Ana Rita, Alves, Nuno, Oliveira, Ana L
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bioengineering and Biotechnology; bioprinting; computer/non-computer assisted approaches; in situ approaches; in situ biomaterials; tissue regeneration
• ISSN: 2296-4185; 2296-4185
• DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00085

tissue regeneration can be defined as the implantation of tissue-specific biomaterials (by itself or in combination with cells and/or biomolecules) at the tissue defect, taking advantage of the surrounding microenvironment as a natural bioreactor. Up to now, the structures used were based on particles or gels. However, with the technological progress, the materials' manipulation and processing has become possible, mimicking the damaged tissue directly at the defect site. This paper presents a comprehensive review of current and advanced strategies for tissue regeneration. Recent advances to put in practice the regeneration concept have been mainly focused on bioinks and bioprinting techniques rather than the combination of different technologies to make the real regeneration. The limitation of conventional approaches (e.g., stem cell recruitment) and their poor ability to mimic native tissue are discussed. Moreover, the way of advanced strategies such as 3D/4D bioprinting and hybrid approaches may contribute to overcome the limitations of conventional strategies are highlighted. Finally, the future trends and main research challenges of enabling approaches are discussed considering and evidence.